Smells like weeknight magicground beef sizzling in a cast iron, sharp cheddar melting into every corner, potatoes softening just enough to catch it all. This cheesy hamburger potato casserole hits that golden middle of cozy and convenient. It’s showing up on meal prep lists and potluck tables for one reason: everyone goes back for seconds.
We’re layering thin-sliced potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy cheddar soup mixture, then baking until everything bubbles. It’s hearty without being heavy, and simple enough to throw together on a busy Tuesday night. Kind of like your mom’s hamburger helperbut hotter, cheesier, and no box needed. This is the ultimate ground beef potato comfort food built for real-life schedules and full bellies.
I started making this one summer in 2015 when we were up to our eyeballs in garden potatoes and freezer beef. My neighbor took one bite and asked if I’d written it downshe couldn’t stop scooping more. I learned to par-cook the potatoes just a bit first, so everything bakes evenly and doesn’t go mushy. After over a decade creating recipes, that kind of trick tells me when a meal’s a keeper.
Enjoy this comforting and easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole, a perfect family meal featuring layers of ground beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese. This Hamburger Potato Bake with Cheddar Soup delivers a rich and creamy texture that’s sure to satisfy. Ideal for those craving a hearty Ground Beef Potato Casserole Creamy dish that’s both simple and delicious.
5 –6 medium russet potatoes thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella optional for extra meltiness
1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
1 cup milk
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika optional
1 tbsp olive oil or butter for greasing the dish
Method
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil or butter.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain any fat, then stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
Arrange half of the potato slices evenly in the prepared pan.
Spread half of the cooked beef mixture over the potatoes.
Drizzle half of the soup mixture on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Repeat the layering with the remaining potatoes, beef mixture, and soup, finishing by topping with the rest of the cheddar cheese plus the mozzarella if using.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
For extra cheesiness, add the mozzarella cheese but it’s optional. Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
Let’s be honest: there’s nothing quite like the combo of beef, potatoes, and cheese. Here’s why this casserole deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
Family-approved: Everyone loves it. Seriously, even the picky eaters clean their plates.
Ultimate comfort food: It’s hearty, creamy, and layered with nostalgic flavors that feel like a warm hug.
Simple ingredients: Basic pantry staples (think ground beef, cheddar cheese, and soup) come together effortlessly.
Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or bringing to a potluckit reheats beautifully!
Gathering Your Ingredients
Keeping things straightforward with common kitchen staples is the beauty of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole Recipe:
Ground beef for that savory, hearty base.
Potatoes: Russets are idealsliced thin so they cook evenly.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded and divided to create those delicious, gooey layers.
Cream of mushroom soup: The secret to a creamy casserole base. (Cream of chicken works too!)
Milk: Helps smooth out the soup and brings everything together.
Seasonings: Simple salt, pepper, and optional paprika add just enough flavor to shine.
Prepare your baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter, and preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cook the ground beef mixture: Brown the beef with onions in a skillet, then stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavor boost.
Whisk the sauce: Combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk until smooth. This will form the creamy backbone of the casserole.
Assemble the layers: Start with half the potatoes, then add half the beef mixture, pour on half the sauce, and sprinkle on some cheddar. Repeat the layers, then top with extra mozzarella if you like.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes for that bubbly, golden cheese topping.
Quick Tip: Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before slicing to let it set. It makes serving so much easier!
Tweaks & Tips for a Perfect Bake
Here’s how to make this Ground Beef Potato Casserole Creamy and foolproof every time:
Even slices: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to get uniform potato slicesthey’ll cook evenly and avoid undercooked spots.
Extra seasoning: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika between layers for an extra flavor punch.
Cheese tweaks: Swap the mozzarella for Monterey Jack or add a little Parmesan to the top layer for a flavor lift.
Timing Breakdown for Maximum Ease
Step
Time
Prep / Cooking Beef
15 minutes
Assembling Layers
10 minutes
Baking Covered
45 minutes
Baking Uncovered
15–20 minutes
Serving & Storing This Cheesy Dish
This casserole is so versatileit pairs wonderfully with many sides or is filling enough on its own. Here’s how to serve and store it:
For Serving: Try pairing with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness.
Meal Prep Perfection: Divide leftovers into lunch portionsit tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Storage Method
Max Time
Refrigerator
4 days
Freezer
3 months
Expert Says
The CHEESY HAMBURGER POTATO CASSEROLE combines protein and complex carbohydrates, offering sustained energy and satiety. Cooking the potatoes in the casserole allows their starches to gelatinize, creating a creamy texture without added cream, while the cheese enhances both flavor and calcium content for a balanced, comforting dish.
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How I Finally Mastered Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole
This cheesy hamburger potato casserole took several kitchen experiments to get just right. Early on, I learned that layering ingredients carefully and not rushing the bake made all the difference. After a few tries, this recipe turned into a reliable, comforting dish that balances cheesy indulgence with hearty, wholesome ingredients.
FAQs ( Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole )
Can I make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge to ensure it heats evenly.
What tips ensure the potatoes cook evenly?
Slice potatoes thin and uniform for even cooking and a tender texture. Layer them evenly without overcrowding, and covering the casserole while baking helps steam the potatoes through. You can flank-bake it by checking doneness with a fork around 45 minutes.
Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
It’s best to fully thaw frozen ground beef before cooking to ensure even browning and safety. Cook the beef thoroughly, draining excess fat before combining with other ingredients. This helps keep the casserole from becoming greasy and maintains the intended texture.
Can I substitute cheddar soup in the Hamburger Potato Bake with Cheddar Soup?
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute, but cheddar soup adds a uniquely rich, cheesy flavor. Alternatively, make a homemade cheese sauce to keep the creamy texture while adjusting flavors. Avoid watery soups to prevent a soggy casserole.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep and leftovers?
This casserole is ideal for meal prep since it reheats well and flavors deepen over time. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave to preserve creaminess and topping texture.
Conclusion
In under an hour, this cheesy hamburger potato casserole comes together with layers of melty comfort and just the right touch of savory warmth. You’ll love how those tender potatoes soak up the creamy, cheesy goodnessreal comfort food made simple.
Try swapping the cheddar for smoked gouda or stirring in a pinch of thyme for a cozy twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the ovenmy aunt always said, “Good food tastes better the next day,” and she wasn’t wrong. A crisp salad alongside rounds out this honest, homemade meal.
I’d love to hear if this casserole reminds you of any family favorites. Snap a photo, share your story, or save this recipe for those busy nights when you crave something hearty and familiar. Happy bakingmay your kitchen be full and your heart even fuller.
